Letters: 'No' vote on budget

While the Flemington Borough Council worked hard on the 2013 budget, I think we could have done better. Here are some of the reasons I opposed Flemington’s budget this year. I have participated in hearings for municipal budgets for many years, and this was a very tough choice for me.

This is why I had to vote “no” on behalf of Flemington citizens:
- Cost of license plate readers at $23,000 which is controversial, an assault on privacy of law abiding citizens, and provides no proven security benefit.
- $138,000 for “courtesy busing,” when not one Flemington student uses “courtesy busing.” We should vigorously explore alternative solutions, and make our case known to advocate for the citizens of Flemington.
- Overspending on Main Street concerts to the tune of $2,000 to $3,000 per show in years past, for the band, tables and chairs. This what the mayor said the concerts cost during the budget workshops. If she brings down the cost, that would be good.
- This is when the car shows have great bands that donate their services or Main Street businesses sponsors for the cost of music and people can bring their own chairs. I support the programs, but we can save money by finding sponsors and making cuts. The borough can have a full program of concerts and have the event be revenue neutral.
- I offered to the mayor to help find sponsors to help underwrite the cost of two of the concerts, and requested that those funds be used in part to fund a video storytelling project in conjunction with Mediatech and the 300th anniversary of Hunterdon. Also, I requested that the Samuel Fleming House receive $2,000-plus, and their budget was cut by 10%.
- Failure to address the issue of borough debt — close to $8 million, up more than $1.1 million from 2007 — and falling surplus, which is less than $100,000 down from $2 million in 2007). This is of great concern.
- Increasing legal fees unchecked; no plan in place to curb these fees.
We should have every department be given the opportunity to come before council to defend its budget request. For example, the parks and recreation committee did not come before the council.

Inadequately funded Mediatech and Samuel Fleming House. No funding for Mediatech, and cut the budget of Samuel Fleming House by 10%, even though concerts on Main Street are fully funded. The Samuel Fleming House is the oldest historic house in Flemington, and is deserving of funding for projects to enhance its value as a historic destination.

All of these issues were brought to the council’s attention during council budget meetings.

I think while we were heading in the right direction, we could do better. Reasonable minds may disagree rationally, and I know my fellow council members worked hard on the budget.